The Chelsea FC legend believes the Blues' clash against Man United will prove more difficult than their 1-1 draw with Liverpool FC

Pat Nevin believes Chelsea FC’s clash against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon could prove to be more difficult than their recent 1-1 draw with Liverpool FC earlier in October.

The Blues will welcome their bitter rivals to Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early kick-off following the return of the Premier League following the international break.

Chelsea FC have made an impressive start to life under Maurizio Sarri after the former Napoli manager took over the reins from Antonio Conte in the summer.

Indeed, the Blues are unbeaten in their opening eight games of the Premier League season thanks to six victories and two stalemates.

Sarri’s side have only dropped points in a 0-0 draw with West Ham United and a 1-1 stalemate with Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.

Eden Hazard broke the deadlock in the first half before former Chelsea FC striker Daniel Sturridge scored a sensational equaliser in the final two minutes of normal time.

Chelsea FC struggled were the inferior side throughout most of the Premier League clash but Sarri’s side managed to hold on for a point against their title rivals.

Manchester United have only managed to win three of their opening eight games in the English top flight this term, losing to Brighton, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham.

However, former Chelsea FC star Nevin reckons Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening could prove more challenging than the Blues’ 1-1 stalemate with Liverpool FC.

“My respect for the current Man United team is certainly not grudging, so much so that I think this Saturday is actually going to be a tougher game for us than the recent visit from Liverpool that ended 1-1,” Nevin told Chelsea FC’s website.

“Maybe the most interesting thing for me, apart from how United will try to stop Jorginho controlling the game and Eden Hazard causing them mayhem obviously, is how Maurizio will adapt to make sure these two players are still pivotal.”

Nevin added: “Liverpool tried to stop Jorginho by dropping Roberto Firmino into his area and then rushing our playmaker from all sides with Jordan Henderson to the fore. It didn’t work because he still found a way to obtain space and influence the game as much as anyone. Yes he was top passer again that day.

“Both coaches have had a couple of weeks to think about precisely these areas and I do not doubt we will see some interesting tweaks by two of the best thinkers in the modern game. The joy is that they will both be thinking in different ways and that is why this will be one of the most intriguing games of the season.

“Even in comparison to the game the other week between Liverpool and Man City where their similarities cancelled each other out, happily that will not happen this time and as such it should live up to the hype.”